Book-assembling machine.



No. 796,653 PATENTBD AUG. 8, 1905. J. D. HORTON & A. W. KABSSNER BOOKASSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION TILED DEC. 29, 1898. RENEWED DBO. 24,1902.

5 SHBETS-SHEET l.

ATTORNE:

INVENTORS WITNESSES v WW mnazw. a swim ca. woro-uwoumpnzns, wAsmNGYDN. oc.

No. 796,653. PATENTED AUG. 8, 1905. J. 1). HORTON & A. W. KABSSNER.

BOOK ASSBMBLING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOIT IILBD D110. 29, 1898. RENEWED DBO. 24,1902.

5 SHEBTS-SKEET 2.

WITNESSES: INVENTORS ATTORNEY mnazw. a. mum co mow-umoemrnina, wnsmndwuu L.

No. 796,653 PATENTED AUG.-8, 1905. J. D. HORTON & A. W. KAESSNER'.

BOOK ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 29. 1898. RENEWED DBO. 24,1902.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

WITNESSES: I INVENTORS W 2%, w. M M WW. J

BY mww nuunnw. a can 20., pummuwoummma wnsmnuYon. o. c.

N0- 7 96,653- Q PATBNTED AUG. 8, 1905. J. D. HORTON & A. W. KAESSNBR.

BOOK ASSEMBLING MACHINE. rrmon'rox rum) we. 29, was. RENEWED DBO.24,1902.

5 BKEETS-BHBET 4.

No. 796,653. PATBNTED AUG, 8, 1905. J. 1). HORTON & A. W. KAESSNER.

BOOK ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED 1330.29, 1898. RENEWED D110. 24, 1902.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

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WITNESSES: a mvamoas WW j MflMMWIM ATTORN EY ANDREW, B. Kiln-m4 co.PNoYo-umoaumu wuamm'on, u. c,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JESSE D. HORTON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., AND ALBERT W. KAESSNER, OF JERSEYCITY, NEW JERSEY.

BOOK-ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Iatented Aug. 8, 1905.

Application filed December 29, 1898. Renewed December 24. 1902- SerialNo. 136,499.

To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that we, JESSE D. HORTON, residing in the city, county, andState of New York, and ALBERT W. KAEssNER, residing at Jersey City, inthe county of Hudson and State of New Jersey, citizens of the UnitedStates, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Book-AssemblingMachines, of which the following is a specification.

Our invention has for its main object the rapid automatic assembling ofbook-signatures in their proper order for binding by simple meansoccupying a minimum space and operating with the least possible waste oftime.

One object of our invention is the provision of means, combined withdevices for delivering the signatures in their proper order in unboundbooks, whereby the books as completed may be conveyed automatically toany desired point without the intervention of an operative.

Another object of our invention is the provision of means foraccomplishing very rapid delivery of the signatures without danger fromflirting due to air-pressure.

Our invention comprises a number of improvements in the details ofconstruction, which are hereinafter described and specifically claimed.

A conspicuous advantage incident to use of our invention lies in thefact that it enables an operator to see the signature-boxes before theycome into feeding position, and thus insures proper disposition of thesignatures about to be acted on relative to their boxes and avoidsopportunity for confusion in delivery due to sticking in the box orother similar accident.

Our invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein-Figure l is a plan view of a six-row machine built in accordance withour invention, but having alternate rows of boxes removed, as well as aportion of the delivery belt, for better illustration of details. Fig. 2is a side view from the right-hand end of the machine shown in Fig. 1.Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the plane :0 w in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is adiagrammatic side view of one book-conveying device suitable for usewith our machine. Fig. 5 shows the electric circuits employed in theoperation of the conveyer shown in Fig. 4:; and Fig. 6 is an elevation,partly in diagram, of a modification of conveyer.

Our machine belongs to that class wherein the signatures are fed bymeans of a roller from a row of boxes onto a moving delivery-beltparallel to and in front of said row. In the accompanying drawings themoving belt is shown at 1 and the rollers which carry it at 2. The

vmain or lower feed-roller is shown parallel to the belt at 3. We preferto make this roller of knurled iron, although of course we do not limitourselves to the use of this material. Inasmuch as our machine permitsof Very rapid running, use'of the belts as hitherto made for thispurpose tends to increase the considerable lifting effect on the movingsignatures due to air-pressure beneath them. This of course acts todisturb the delivery of the signatures and cause confusion. In order toobviate this difficulty, we prefer to construct our belt delivery asillustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. wherein the moving belt is shownperforated, the perforations 6 being arranged to move over parallelgrooves 7 in the upper surface of the belt-supporting shelf 8. By use ofthis construction a considerable increase of belt speed can be attainedwithout danger from the floating efifect of the air under thesignatures.

Our principal improvement lies in the provision of movable rows ofsignature-boxes, whereby a machine for assembling a given number ofsignatures may be made to occupy a much smaller space and to act morecontinuously than where such signatures are delivered from a singleimmovable row of boxes,'as

hitherto practiced. In thedrawings we have; illustrated a machinecarrying six rows and; three boxes in each row. These'numbers werechosen for convenience in illustration, and in practice more boxes wouldbe used in each row;

but it is to be understood that any number of rows and one box or anynumber of boxes per. row may be used without departing from the spiritof our present invention. As clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, eachrow is pivoted at each end on the extremity of one arm of asupporting-spider 9. such that the center of gravity is always below thepivot, and the rows of boxes thus remain always horizontal while thesupportingspiders rotate. It is'clear that as the spiders rotate thesuspended boxes are successively The suspension is brought opposite tothe feed-roller 3 from above. The rotation is intermittent and may beaccomplished in any one of a variety of ways well understood tomechanics. In our preferred embodiment we apply the power through thedriving-pulley 10 on the same shaft with the roller which drives thebelt. By means of appropriate gearing-for instance, as shown in Fig.1-we impart a high relative velocity to the feed-roller 3 and a slowrotation to the, pivot 11 of the connectingarm 12. (See Fig. 2.) Foreach revolution of pivot 11 the rocking bar 13 is made to rock back andforth once. Thus the weighted pawl 14, pivoted on this rocking bar, actsto-turn the ratchet 15 through one tooth. The weighted retaining catchor pawl 16 or other appropriate means is employed to prevent accidentalbackward movement of the ratchetwheel. The ratchet-wheel 15 is fast onthe shaft of the spider 9, Fig. 2, and has the same number of teeth asthe spider has arms-*as shown six. Thus for every revolution of thepivot 11 one row of boxes is removed and another substituted in front ofthe feedingroller 3. As shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, the bottomsignature in each box projects through the slit or space between thefront of its box and the edge of the bottom. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3,this bottom is cut out, as at 18, leaving supporting edges on threesides. These edges are pivoted-as, for instance, at 19*and at the fronta set-screw 20 for each box makes it possible to adjust the width of theopening 17 to allow one signature only to pass at a time. For practicalpurposes it is best to have the bottom of each box separatelyadjustable, as, even in the same book, the signatures are liable to varyin widthas, for instance, where maps or plates occur. The bottomsignature is made to protrude in the manner illustrated, preferably, bythe following means: On a cross-bar 21 beneath the revolving rows ofboxes we place a series of abutments 22, preferably of rubber. These areso located that they come in contact with the unsupported surface of thelowermost signature in each box just before it reaches the limit of itsdownward travel. At this time the movement of the boxes is nearlyhorizontal and in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3. Consequently thefriction against the rubber abutment 22 causes the signature to bethrust forward into the position shown in dotted lines. In order toprevent tipping of the suspended boxes, we prefer to providesteadyingrests, which may conveniently be made of flat springs, such asare shown at 23. These are tangential to the circle described by thebottoms of the boxes and keep the latter level during the action of theabutments 22. As shown in Fig. 1, we prefer to use two of these springs,one being at each end of the machine. The mode of action of thefeed-roller 3 will now be apparent. Each operation of the the lastsignature past the first box.

pawl 14 brings a new row of boxes opposite the roller, thus bringing theunder surface of the protruding signature down onto the roller 3, whichis revolving rapidly. A pivoted frame 24 overhangs the belt 1 and isprovided at its extremity with means for bearing down upon thefeed-roller 3. A variety of such means might be employed; but we preferto use the rollers 25, which may be made of knurled iron or othermaterial.

Pivoted to the machine-frame, as at 26, preferably oppositethedriving-gears, (see Figs. 1 and 3,) is a lever 27, whose rear endprojects into the path of the rotating spiderarms. Its opposite endprojects under the overhanging frame 2 1, and it is so shaped that eachspider-arm as it strikes the lever acts to lift the frame 24:. Thisoperation is so timed that the raising of the frame 24 permits theapproaching signature to come down upon the fcedroller 3. Then thespider-arm releases the lever 27, and the weight of the frame 24: clipsthe signature between rollers 25 and 3, causing the rapid revolution ofroller 3 to throw the signature out onto the belt 1. The movement of thespiders should be so timed by appropriate gearing that the rows comeinto feeding position at time intervals equal to the time required bythe belt to carry Thus the belt will be kept always full, and a maximumspeed of delivery will be secured. Where automatic book-conveyers areused. this rule may require modification, as hereinafter described.

In Fig. 1 we have shown springs 28, projecting between the feed -roller3 and the fronts of the box-partitions. These we preferably employ inorder to counteract the tendency of the boxes to tip up and ride on theroller 3 when the signatures are pulled out.

The mechanism thus far described is completely operative to deliversignatures at the end of the belt 1 in the proper order, which isobviously determined by proper distribution in the boxes. Thus after onerevolution of the box-carrying mechanism signatures corresponding to thewhole capacity of the machine have been delivered in proper order. Thiscapacity may correspond to an entire volume or to any part of one or tomore than one. The books as thus formed at the end of the belt should ofcourse be taken away separately,-and, while this can be done by hand, weprefer to employ an automatic conveyer, whereby the books may betransported as fast as formed to the vicinity of such other machinery asmay be required for carrying on the next step in the binding process.This combination of conveyer and assembler is believed to be a novel oneand is claimed, broadly, by us. A number of modifications of thecombination might be devised, and we have thought it sufficient toillustrate two such modifications.

In Fig. 4 we have shown the delivery belt and roller at 1 and oppositethe end thereof an endless conveyer-belt 29, which may be made up ofrigid sections or be flexible, as desired. Upon this belt we fasten anumber of boxes or shoes 30 of suitable shape and size for receiving thesignatures as they come off of the belt. In order to accommodate theserigid boxes at the bends in thebelt, we prefer to use pulleys ofappropriate conformation-as, for instance, octagonal pulleys 31. One ofthese is driven by a suitable motor stopped and started at properintervals by mechanism connected with the revolving boxes. The motor isillustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 at 32 as an electric motor. One means forstopping and starting the motor 32 at the proper moment is asillustrated and includes a current-supply circuit of two branches 33 and34. (See Fig. Circuit 33 includes an appropriate contact-maker operatedby the assemblingmachine. This may appropriately consist of a swingingcontact 35, held in one position by a weight 36 and standing in the pathof another terminal on one of the spider-arms. These terminals are soplaced that during the movement which brings a new box in place aftercompletion of a book contact 37 is caused to strike 35 and, swinging itaside, to break the contact so made. The making of this contact startsthe motor 32 and with it the pulleys 31 and belt- 29. Turning with oneof the pulleys 31 are two diametrically-opposed arms 38.and 39, soplaced that when a box 30 is in proper position in front of the belt thecontacts 40 and 41 in circuit branch 34 are held apart, but arm 38 or 39is just on the point of releasing the. spring 40 and permitting contact.When the motor starts, the spring-contact 40 is immediately released bymovement of arm 38, and thus the circuit first established throughbranch 33 is maintained through 34. The motor continues to revolve untilpulleys 31 turn through a half-circle, thus bringing an empty box 30 infront of the belt. At this moment the arm 39 opens circuit branch 34 at40 and the motor stops. Thus the books are carried step by step to afloor above (shown at 42) and may there be subjected to furthertreatment. Of course the number of makes and breaks of current for eachrevolution of the assemblingmachine may be varied at will and the boxesbe moved oftener than once per revolution, if desired. The location ofarms 38 and 39 depends, of course, on the distance apart of the boxesrelatively to the size of the pulleys 31. These are all details whichmay be indefinitely varied without departing from the scope of ourinvention.

In Fig. 6 is shown a modified form of conveyer depending upon differentprinciples both as to returning-conveyer and starting mechanism. Thedouble curve 43 indicates a spiral return-track in side View. On this'track run a number of boxes 44, suspended upon appropriate rollers 45,which may run upon the track under-the influence of gravity. Theposition of the assembling-machine relative to the conveyer is indicatedby the spiderarms in Fig. 6, it being understood that the conveyer is atthe feeding end of the belt 1. The letter A in Fig. 6 indicates that box44 which is opposite to the belt 1. and just to the left thereof a box44 is show-n which has just been allowed to run by gravity onto themovable track-section 46 in a manner described hereinafter. Thetrack-section 46 is provided with a catch 47 and is adapted to tip on apivot 48. (Sec upper part of Fig. 6.) This tracksection is carried uponthe piston 49 of an engine-cylinder, preferably hydraulic, having inletand outlet valves 51 52. A common rocking lever 53 operates these valvesin opposite directions when moved by the rod 54, which is held against acam 55 by means of a spring 56 or otherwise. In the positionillustrated, assuming that the spider-arms 9 are rotating as indicatedby the arrow, the cam is on the point of opening the inlet-valve, whichopening should occur just after tripping of the box-releasing catch, asdescribed hereinafter. The Water, air, or steam being thus admitted tocylinder 50, the newly-filled box 44 on section 46 of track is raised tothe top of the spiral track. Here the catch 47 strikes under the track,and on further movement of the piston-rod 49 the track-section 46 tipsup, as shown in dotted lines, and sends box 44 on its way down thespiral track. The shape of path and the extent of the track are made tosuit the convenience of the user, and the filled box may be stopped atany point on its return, the book removed, and the box will continue onits way and take its place in line with the empty boxes awaiting theirturns to be filled. When the track-section 46 starts up, the box A,which is being filled, is prevented from rolling 01f the track by anyappropriate pivoted stop 57 in line with the finger 58 on the properspider-arm. arms have made a half-revolution the box has been carried tothe top of the track and tipped off. Then the cam opens the exhaust-portand closes the inlet-port to cylinder 50, thus letting the track returnto the lower position. At the proper time finger 58 trips the stop 57and lets the filled box onto the movable section, as before, and theoperation is repeated.

It is clear that where the receiving-boxes of a conveyer are used thebelt 1 on the assembling-machine cannot be kept always filled withoutdanger of confusion at the moment of substituting one box for another.It will be best to provide for a proper interval of idleness to permitone box to be replaced by the next. This can be done by proper designingof the driving-gear ratios or in a variety of ways well known tomachinists.

Our invention is susceptible of many modi- Before the spiderfications indetails without evading its scope, and we do not wish to be understoodas limiting ourselves to the specific detailed embodiment thereof whichwe have shown and described.

WVhat we claim is 1. In a book-assembling machine, a plurality ofsignature-boxes provided with deliveryopenings for signatures, means forbringing said boxes successively to the delivery-point, means at onepoint of the path of travel of said boxes for producing partialprotrusion of one signature at a time in said boxes successively andmeans located at another point in the said path of travel adapted tograsp the protruding portions of said signatures for delivering thesame.

2. In a book-assembling machine, a plurality of signature-boxes, afeed-roller, a movable frame over said roller, mechanism for bringingsaid boxes successively opposite said roller and means operated by saidlatter mechanism for simultaneously causing operative contact betweensaid roller and frame.

3. In a book-assembling machine, rotary arms, signature-boxes suspendedon the same, afeed-roller, a movable frame over said roller, and apivoted lever for raising said frame, the rear end of said lever beingin the path of movement of said rotary arms.

4:. Inabook-assembling machine, amovable signature-box having a slit infront and cut.

away underneath so as to expose a portion of the bottom signature, and africtional rubber adapted to press against said exposed portion of thebottom signature to push it through said slit.

5. In a book-assembling machine, amovable signature-box having a slit infront and cut away underneath so as to expose a portion of the bottomsignature, and a stationary frictional rubber adapted to press againstsaid exposed portion of the bottom signature as it passes said rubber,so as to push the signature through said slit.

6. In abook-assembling machine, a movable signature-box, a pivotalsuspension therefor, means adapted to cause protrusion of signaturesfrom said box, and means adapted to engage said box during the operationof the protruding means for keeping the box steady on its pivots.

7. In a book-assembling machine, two sets of similar rotary arms,signature-boxes suspended between said arms, a feed-roller, means fordriving the feed-roller, and gearing between said roller and said armswhereby intermittent movement of the arms accompanies continuousmovement of the roller.

8. In a book-assembling machine, feeding devices, rows ofsignature-boxes having a portion of the bottom of each box cut away,means for intermittently and successively bringing the rows of boxesopposite the feeding devices, stationary frictional rubbers in the pathof movement of the cut-away portions of the box-bottoms, and adelivery-belt moving in front of said feeding devices.

9. In a book-assembling machine, horizontal rows of signature-boxes, arevolving shaft for causing forward movement of the same, adelivery-belt, means for delivering signatures from said boxes onto saidbelt, a conveyer to which said belt feeds the signatures, means formoving said conveyer, a regulator for starting and stopping saidconveyer and means operatively connected with said revolving shaft forintermittently operating said regulator.

10. In abook-assembling machine, two rotary bearing means, parallelsignature-boxes pivoted at their ends in said bearing means, a devicefor withdrawing signatures and means for rotating said bearing means soas to bring said boxes successively opposite said withdrawing device.

11. In a book-assembling machine, a number of signature-boxes, a devicefor causing partial protrusion of signatures from said boxes, a deviceadapted to act on the portion of each signature so protruded forwithdrawing the signatures from the boxes, means for conveying saidboxes successively past said protruding means and for causing successiveoperation of the protruding and withdrawing devices.

JESSE D. HORTON. ALBERT W. KAESSNER. Witnesses:

HERBERT L. FoRDHAM, HAROLD S. MAoKAYE.

